I've decided to compile a list of useful saints, that is, patron saints of everyday things, saints whose particular intercession normal people need frequently. The term "useful" isn't mine -- it came from a friend when I asked him about a patron saint of awkward social situations. "I do not know the patron saint of the socially awkward," he told me. "Such a saint's intercession would be extremely useful, much like St. Anthony's." I think this merits, at the very least, a list. And so we begin.
St. Joseph of Cupertino, patron of test-takers
Patron Saints Index bio
EWTN bio
St. Joseph of Cupertino had a horrible time trying to learn to read and they almost didn't let him join the Franciscans. The only thing he could really remember was one line from Luke, on which he could talk rather eloquently: "Beatus venter qui te portavit." He had to pass a test in front of the bishop and, in the sort of coincidence that is clearly the grace of God, the bishop asked him to talk about that line from Luke.
After St. Joseph was ordained, he had to undergo another exam. One by one, down the line of priests, the bishop asked quesions and one by one, the priests gave fantastic answers. The bishop was so pleased that he decided to cut the exam short and several priests -- including our good friend St. Joseph -- didn't even have to answer.
He seems to be patron of general academic luck, and it honestly, that's exactly what we need sometimes.
Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino (linked from patron saints index)
O Great St. Joseph of Cupertino, who while on earth did obtain from God the grace to be asked at your examination only the questions you knew, obtain for me a like favor in the examinations for which I am now preparing. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. St. Joseph of Cupertino, Pray for us.
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